So you're pregnant… First of all, congratulations!! You're growing an actual human, which is pretty incredible. And somewhere between the prenatal vitamins and the nursery planning, someone probably told you, "You have to get maternity photos done!"
Maybe you're totally on board. Maybe you're a little nervous. Maybe you're thinking, "I'm huge and uncomfortable and the last thing I want is a camera pointed at me." Wherever you're at, this post is for you. Because there's a lot that goes unsaid about what a maternity session is actually like, and I want to pull back the curtain a little.
You Don't Have to "Feel Pretty" to Have Beautiful Photos
This is probably the biggest thing I wish more mamas knew going in. You don't have to feel your best to look your best in photos. Most of my clients show up a little tired, a little swollen, maybe not loving their reflection lately and we still walk away with images that take their breath away. Why? Because pregnancy is genuinely beautiful, even when it doesn't feel that way from the inside. A good photographer isn't just pointing a camera at you, they're finding the light, the angles, and the moments that show the real magic of what's happening. Trust the process. You don't have to arrive glowing. You just have to show up.
It's Okay If You Feel Awkward in Front of a Camera
You are not alone if the words "photo session" make you want to hide. Most people feel a little stiff or self-conscious at first, and that is completely normal. Here's the secret though: the best maternity photos aren't the ones where everyone is perfectly posed and smiling at the camera on cue. They're the ones where you're laughing at something your partner said, or looking down at your belly lost in a quiet moment, or just being… not performing and putting on a cheesy smile.
My job is to create an environment where you can relax and forget the camera is even there. The more laid-back you are, the better your photos will be. So if you're a "I hate having my picture taken" kind of person? You might actually be my favorite client!
The Timing Actually Matters (More Than You'd Think)
Most people don't think about scheduling a maternity session until pretty late in the game and then panic when they realize how fast the end of pregnancy goes. The sweet spot for maternity photos is typically between 28 and 36 weeks. Here's why: Too early and the bump isn't as prominent yet… But too late and you may be uncomfortable, swollen, or (surprise) already in labor! Personally, I always recommend booking your session around 30–32 weeks so we have a little flexibility. Life happens, babies come early, schedules get crazy. Give yourself a buffer!
You Don't Need a Fancy Wardrobe
I cannot tell you how many people stress about what to wear. And I get it… you want to look good in photos that'll hang on your wall for years. But here's the truth: simple almost always wins!
A flowy dress, a form-fitting maxi, even a cozy oversized sweater with leggings, these photograph beautifully. You don't need to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a special outfit (unless you want to and then go for it!).
A few easy tips:
- Solid colors or subtle patterns tend to photograph better than busy prints
- Earth tones, blush, cream, and soft blues are timeless and flattering
- Comfort matters — if you're tugging at something the whole session, it'll show
- Don't forget your partner! Coordinate, but you don't have to match perfectly
And if you're totally stuck? Just ask me. I love helping clients figure this stuff out!
It's Not Just About the Bump
Yes, the belly is the star of the show but maternity sessions are about so much more than that. They're about you in this season of life. The anticipation, the love, the partnership, the quiet moments before everything changes.
Some of my favorite shots from maternity sessions are the candid ones. A couple slow dancing in a field, a mama resting her hands on her belly while the golden hour light wraps around her, a toddler pressing their ear up to hear the baby. These are the photos you'll swoon over in ten years. Not because they were perfectly posed, but because they were real.
It Goes Faster Than You Think
I know you've probably heard this a hundred times already, but it's true. This season is so fleeting. The bump, the anticipation, the before… it disappears fast. And once that baby is here, life gets beautifully chaotic in a whole new way. A maternity session is a gift to your future self. It's a way of saying, "This moment mattered, and I wanted to remember it." You don't have to be a perfect poser, have a Pinterest-worthy wardrobe, or feel like a glowing goddess to deserve that. You just have to be you, bump and all!
Ready to chat about your maternity session? I’d love to hear the story of your growing family. Reach out and let’s make something beautiful together!
